A 15-year-old student reportedly drowned in a swimming pool at her high school Tuesday.
Alaina Dildine suffered a “medical emergency” Tuesday morning while swimming laps in the Whiteland Community High School pool during physical education class, FOX59 reported, citing officials from the Clark-Pleasant County Community School Corporation.
Johnson County Coroner Michael Pruitt confirmed Dildine had been pulled from the pool, according to the outlet.
“Despite the efforts of our staff and emergency responders, the student has passed away,” the school corporation said, FOX59 reported. “The specific cause and circumstances surrounding this tragedy are not yet known, and a thorough investigation will take place.” (RELATED: Daughter of Buccaneers Star Dead At Age 2)
A lifeguard was on duty at the southern Indianapolis pool when the incident occurred, DailyMail reported, citing superintendent Patrick Spray.
“Alaina Dildine loved her family, friends, her community, art, animals, band, and bringing awareness to epilepsy,” according to a GoFundMe page for the young girl’s family. “She was a sweet girl with a heart of gold who would help anyone and now her family needs our help.”
The fundraiser has accumulated over $19,000 in donations at the time of writing.
Students made a memorial for Dildine after her passing, placing flowers, cards and stuffed animals outside of the pool facility in her honor, according to FOX59. Chalk messages expressing grief were reportedly spread along the sidewalk.
“We understand that this news is profoundly upsetting for our entire school community, and we are here to support our students, staff, and families as we grieve together,” the school corporation said in a statement, according to the outlet.
Classes were canceled Tuesday and Wednesday and are set to resume Thursday.
